The Domestic Violence & Abuse Level 3 Advanced Diploma course provides a comprehensive exploration of domestic violence, its impact, and how professionals can intervene and support survivors effectively. This course is designed for those seeking to work in fields related to social services, counseling, law enforcement, healthcare, or education, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of domestic violence and abuse.

Lecture 1: Introduction to Domestic Violence and Abuse
In the first lecture, students will gain a foundational understanding of domestic violence and abuse, including its definition, historical context, societal attitudes, types, and forms. We will explore the power dynamics within abusive relationships, the cycle of abuse, and the profound impact on survivors, including children.

Lecture 2: Theoretical Perspectives on Domestic Violence
This lecture explores various theoretical perspectives that explain domestic violence. Students will study social learning theory, the feminist perspective, psychological theories, and the ecological model. A key focus will also be on intersectionality and how multiple oppressions affect victims.

Lecture 3: Legal and Policy Frameworks
Students will gain an understanding of the international and national legal frameworks surrounding domestic violence. This includes knowledge of domestic violence legislation, protection orders, restraining orders, and laws related to child protection, custody, and mandatory reporting.

Lecture 4: Risk Assessment and Safety Planning
This lecture covers crucial skills in risk assessment and safety planning. Students will learn to assess lethality and danger, develop safety plans for survivors, and understand the importance of multi-agency collaboration in managing high-risk cases.

Lecture 5: Trauma and Recovery
This lecture delves into the psychological impact of trauma, focusing on trauma-informed approaches, PTSD, and complex trauma. Students will explore recovery strategies for survivors and the importance of self-care for professionals working in this field.

Lecture 6: Intervention and Support Services
This section focuses on the various intervention strategies and support services available to survivors of domestic violence. Topics covered include crisis intervention, hotline services, shelter programs, counseling options, support groups, and rehabilitation programs.

Lecture 7: Children and Domestic Violence
Understanding the impact of domestic violence on children is vital. This lecture addresses child protection, safeguarding, child custody issues, and therapeutic interventions to support child witnesses of domestic violence.

Lecture 8: Prevention and Community Education
In this lecture, students will learn about primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies. The importance of community education campaigns and engaging men and boys in the prevention of domestic violence will be discussed. Advocacy and policy change initiatives will also be covered.

Lecture 9: Ethical Considerations and Professional Practice
This lecture emphasizes the ethical considerations in working with survivors of domestic violence. Topics include confidentiality, cultural competence, professional boundaries, and collaborative multidisciplinary team working.

Lecture 10: Emerging Issues and Future Directions
The final lecture explores emerging trends in domestic violence, such as technology-facilitated abuse and elder abuse. Students will also gain insight into the effects of COVID-19 on domestic violence and explore global perspectives and innovations in prevention and intervention.

By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to work effectively with domestic violence survivors, understand the legal frameworks, and contribute to both individual recovery and broader systemic changes in society.